Two University of Northampton staff members to take part in prestigious Young UK and Ireland programme 2014

Two members of staff from the University of Northampton will be visiting Lancaster next week, as part of the Young UK and Ireland Programme’s Four Nations Event.

Elisha Dignam, Marketing Officer and Louise Atkinson, Teaching Research Associate at Northampton Business School, will join representatives from around the UK and Ireland for the four day course. The pair were chosen to represent the University at this national event due to their commitment to continuous development and their eagerness to support others.

The Young UK and Ireland Programme is an international initiative for developing talent in the workplace and the community. Established in 2002, it fosters the personal and professional development of people in the early stages of their careers by building communication skills and expanding intellectual horizons. Delegates for 2014’s Four Nations Event come from some of the UK’s most prolific public sector organisations, including London School of Economics, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and the Bank of England.

Throughout the four day residential event, the two ambassadors will undertake a variety of tasks, including group challenges, delivering pre-prepared persuasive arguments and a variety of presentations. The programme aims to ensure delegates leave the course more confident about public speaking and expressing their opinions, and more aware of the problems and issues which affect us all as a society.

Nick Allen, Executive Officer commented: “The University was keen to be involved in the programme and to identify colleagues from Schools and Professional Services who would benefit from a residential activity, which would not only enhance their skills but provide an opportunity for this development to be applied in their own work and to support the work of others. The list of organisations which have sent representatives to the Young Programme events in the past demonstrate how well regarded this event is. ​​I am sure it will provide Louise and Elisha with an opportunity to share experiences with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds.”

Elisha is a driven marketeer who is currently working as a Marketing Officer. Since graduating from the University of Warwick four years ago, Elisha has gained experience within marketing, PR and event management from a range of organisations, including Avon Cosmetics. Within her current role, Elisha is responsible for the delivery of marketing support and campaigns for the Professional Services departments, including HR and Student Services. Outside of the office, Elisha is also a volunteer for Girlguiding UK and has been awarded the Queen’s Guide Award – the highest award available within Girlguiding.

Elisha commented: “I was extremely honoured to have been selected to represent the University at this event. My paper focuses on the importance of extra-curricular activities to support formal education, in particular drawing on my experiences within Girlguiding. I am really excited to learn new skills and the professional development opportunities that the event will provide.”

Louise is a Research and Teaching Associate in Enterprise for the Business School, and she has previously worked as an Associate Lecturer. She is currently embarking on research evaluating social impact in business, with a specific interest in SMEs. Louise’s previous work experience was in the IT Industry where she held a variety of positions including business management and events management.

For more information regarding the programme, visit the website.

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Pictured: Left – Louise Atkinson, right – Elisha Dignam.